US government shutdown likely

DELAYING:The major sticking point between the two camps in the US House of Representatives is a measure to delay the implementation of the Affordable Care Act

AFP, WASHINGTON

“You have been hijacked by a small group of extreme folks who simply hate this president,” Scott said, breaking protocol as he addressed Republican members directly.

Boehner and fellow House leaders had struggled to stake out a position palatable to their divided members.

A chorus of criticism — including from Obama and centrist Republicans in the Senate — accused Tea Party-backed lawmakers of unwisely threatening a shutdown if they did not get their way.

“How dare you presume a failure?” Representative Darrell Issa said to a reporter who asked what would happen when the Senate rejects the House measure. “We continue to anticipate that there’s an opportunity for sensible compromise.”

Many conservatives were unapologetic about seeking to put the brakes on a health care law they insist is not ready for prime time.

“I’m a free-market guy, and I truly believe that Obamacare could be the linchpin in shifting America over into an almost irreversible socialist economy,” Representative Trent Franks said.

Congress now has less than 48 hours to strike a deal that keeps government open, but the ping-ponging of legislation is making that unlikely.

As if anticipating a possible shutdown, House Republicans introduced a separate measure that would ensure US troops get paid in the event of a work stop.